Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68) – Illness Precaution

Recently the CDC reported an increase in cases of Enterovirus D68 (EV-D68). It presents with mild to severe respiratory or flu-like symptoms, and appears to more severely affect children with asthma based on the reported cases. Enteroviruses in general are most common from summer to early fall. Most hospitals and doctor’s offices cannot test for this specific type of enterovirus, but may send samples to the CDC or state health departments to confirm.

While there is not a lot of information available on the virus, there are ways to prevent spread of the virus. The CDC recommends the following:

Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

Discuss plans with your school nurse or other contact to remove your child from school if a sick child presents with respiratory symptoms

SMA patients are not more likely to contract the disease than other children, but should your child contract a respiratory illness of any kind, institute your usual respiratory protocol and keep in close contact with your pediatrician. It has been shown to cause more severe respiratory symptoms than a typical enterovirus, which makes our neuromuscular patients more vulnerable. Refer to the SMA Hospital Admission Guidelines found HERE on our website. We do not recommend removing your child from school if the illness is not present there. Hyper-vigilant hand washing is very important. Be careful about who comes in contact with your child. School & Church are the most common locations that parents send sick children.

**REMINDER: Flu season is here. Parents, children, and any caregivers need to be immunized. Vaccines will likely become available in the next 2-3 weeks (September – October)